Rapido 811505

HR Loch Class No.131 ‘Loch Shin’ (DCC Sound Fitted)

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Era
Era 2 (1875 to 1923) Pre-grouping

Manufacturer description

Highland Railway ‘Loch’ Class 4-4-0
HR Smith Plain Green No. 131 ‘Loch Shin’
Tall louvred HR chimney
Long smokebox door straps
Smokebox wing plates
Jones safety valves
Tablet catcher
Suitable for operation on 2nd Radius curves (438mm or greater)
Dynamic firebox flicker
21-pin DCC decoder socket
Factory-fitted speakers in all models
Sprung buffers
Museum-quality paint finish
Smooth & powerful mechanism
Highly detailed
NEM coupler pockets
1:76 scale (OO gauge)

Catalogue listing

Model details

Rapido Trains UK has announced a new OO gauge model of the Highland Railway's Loch Class 4-4-0 steam locomotives. Representing the pre-grouping era, the model is based on the Dübs & Co. built locos and includes tooling variations that cover some of the conversions they received throughout their lifetime.

The Highland Railway's Loch Class was designed by David Jones, Locomotive Superintendent, in response to the need for a powerful locomotive to traverse the undulating landscape of the Inverness to Perth line. The class of 18 locos was built between 1896 and 1897, with the final loco delivered in September 1897. The locos were named after inland Scottish lochs, with the famous Loch Ness being one of them.

The Loch Class was a successful design, producing 17,070 lbs of tractive effort and superseding the Strath Class. During World War One, three additional locos were built by The North British Locomotive Company, with modifications including a modified tender and Westinghouse pump. The class was eventually superseded by the Castle Class, but remained in service on local passenger services and branch lines.

The new Rapido Trains UK model will feature a range of detailing variants, including different chimneys, domes, safety valves, and smoke boxes. The model will also include a variety of liveries, from pre-grouping to BR days, as well as a 'What if' Highland Railway Yellow livery. The model will be available with a 21-pin DCC decoder socket and will feature a smooth-running mechanism, factory-installed speakers, and NEM coupler pockets.

The model will be suitable for operation on 2nd radius curves (438mm or greater) and will be available in 1:76 scale. The Highland Railway Society has been instrumental in the development of the model, providing research materials and advice throughout the project.